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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.